The Whiskey BrooklynThis adult rec room allows New Yorkers to indulge their childhood-birthday-party nostalgia while satisfying their mature, bourbon-swilling tastes. Make a reservation for up to 80 people (with no fee or minimum), then keep your guests amused with shuffleboard, Skee-Ball, mini basketball, arcade games and a photo booth. To spur rabble-rousing, you can choose from more than 60 bourbons and whiskeys, house beers ($4) and spicy picklebacks ($7). 44 Berry St at North 11th St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (718-387-8444, whiskeybrooklyn.com)

Taproom No. 307This pub has more than 40 craft brews on tap, plus dozens more in bottles, cans and casks. A beer sommelier is present almost every day to help patrons navigate the rotating list, which ranges from lagers and cream ales to porters and saisons. If party hosts convey their flavor preferences in advance, the chef will create a personalized, off-the-menu meal of hearty fare. One recent bespoke fete included a three-course pairing dinner (for around $30 per person). 307 Third Ave between 23rd and 24th Sts (212-725-4766, taproom307.com)

The Shop BrooklynNow that this motorcycle garage has a full liquor license, you can order a stiff pour or enjoy a $3 PBR amid a creative, bike-appreciating crowd. The spare industrial space isn't big on ambience, but like a true garage, it takes on whatever role is needed: a low-key Sunday barbecue (a house smoker turns out sausage, ribs and pork shoulder) or a foot-stomping concert that blares into the street. The repair floor doubles as a venue for live acts, which span rock, reggae and bluegrass, as well as DJs who spin party jams. 290 Metropolitan Ave between Driggs Ave and Roebling St, Williamsburg, Brooklyn (347-227-7603, www.theshopbrooklyn.com)

SpritzenhausReservations for big groups are welcome at this vast beer hall, though odds are you might not even need one: The 6,000-square-foot space seats 250, and the communal tables encourage fraternizing with your neighbors. A lineup of more than 60 beers highlights mostly German brews, with several American and other European selections, but don't overlook the healthy wine selection (which includes quarter-, half-, and full-liter carafes, $10--$60), beer-and-a-shot specials ($6--$9), and German snacks like brats ($7--13) and pretzels ($4). 33 Nassau Ave between Dobbin and Guernsey Sts, Greenpoint, Brooklyn (347-987-4632, spritzenhaus33.com)

Harlem TavernAt this neighborhood spot, beer-garden season doesn't end when the temperature drops: The roomy patio now boasts insulated enclosed tenting and heaters, so you can swig alfresco well into the winter months. Groups of 15 or more can dive into the list of 50-plus American and international craft beers via open-bar deals, which start at $15 per hour. A menu of grill-house staples (burgers, steak frites, sausage) can be tailored to feed your crew via appetizer platters or banquet-style dinners. 2153 Frederick Douglass Blvd (Eighth Ave) at 116th St (212-866-4500, harlemtavern.com)